LiFe Link at Lord's Hill
Spring term 2024 (Jan-Mar)
Welcome to the 13th edition of our LiFe Link Newsletter. In this issue we look back and celebrate another great term packed full of opportunities for our young people.
Thank you to everyone who reads this edition and continues to support Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill.
The LiFe Curriculum
In September 2020, we introduced our LiFe Curriculum to ensure that every aspect of your child's personal growth is covered. This includes student leadership, helping them find their identity in society, exploring future career paths and opportunities, and providing enriching extra-curricular activities.
More information can be found on our website.
Key Stage 4 students visit MAST Mayflower Studios to see Macbeth
The students from the academy were provided with the opportunity to attend a theatrical performance of Macbeth in the spring season. The MAST production offered a special discounted evening for schools, featuring an adaptation of the play incorporating drums and puppets to cater to a younger audience.
Leading the trip, Paul Woodman said:
“Macbeth is a core text for GCSE and the students enjoyed the evening performance. They were brilliantly behaved and a credit to the Academy. Many thanks to everyone who supported this theatre trip.”
MAST describe the play as a rigorous and respectful approach to text and storytelling to bring a magical, lucid interpretation of Shakespeare’s blood-soaked tragedy to life. Puppetry, clown, ensemble, physical theatre, and exhilarating live music, combine in a powerful and provocative interpretation. A stripped back set, an aesthetically arresting design, and a tight-knit ensemble of actors, this performance is a dark and visceral manifestation of the work’s essence and underlaying themes, drawing out the parallels with modern society.
Movie Rewards Event
At Lord’s Hill, we think it’s really important to recognise our students for consistently demonstrating a positive attitude to school life at all times. As part of our gratitude, the Top 50 students in each of Years 7 to 10 that achieved the most positive 'ClassCharts' points were invited to a Rewards Movie Event in the theatre where drinks and snacks were also provided free of charge. The event was a massive success, and we will be looking to do it again in the Summer term following some brilliant feedback from students!
Matthew Bourne’s Dance Company Workshop
On Wednesday 13th March, our Lord's Hill dance students had the opportunity to participate in a professional dance workshop with two members from Matthew Bourne’s Dance Company, New Adventures. The workshop focused on the story of Edward Scissorhands, where students had the chance to learn professional dance repertoire and engage in creative tasks. In the evening, the students were able to attend a performance of Matthew Bourne’s stage production of Edward Scissorhands at the Mayflower Theatre.
During the performance, students were deeply moved by the story of Edward Scissorhands and the theme of being treated differently by society. They were also able to identify the professional repertoire they had learned in the workshop and were proud to say they knew the choreography.
We would like to thank all the students who participated in the workshop and theatre trip. Your dedication and talent in the dance department are truly commendable, you are an asset to the dance department and you were commended for your dance ability by the professionals.
Overall, the workshop and theatre trip were valuable experiences for our students, providing them with insights into professional dance and performance. Thank you to everyone involved for making this event a success.
Bugsy Malone Workshop
Following the success of our last Mayflower Youth Project workshop, the MAST team returned to the academy on Friday 9th February to deliver a musical theatre workshop to prepare our students for an audition at the MAST Mayflower studios.
50 students took part in the workshop, exploring the themes of Bugsy Malone, whilst learning repertoire from the show, enabling them to feel confident in their abilities and relieve those pre audition anxieties.
A small selection of these students then went on to audition for the show on Sunday 3rd March, and we are pleased to announce that three of our students have been selected to take part in the show!
Massive congratulations to: Tune D (Year 7), Lyric D(Year 9) and Logan M (Year 9)
The show will be performed at the Mayflower Theatre on 16th and 17th August- and we can’t wait to see you all shine!
Well done team Performing Arts!
Easter Rewards Celebration Assemblies
During the last week of the Spring term, year group end of term Reward Celebration Assemblies were delivered where over 250 students were recognised for demonstrating our mantra of being Proud, Kind and Determined. There were a range of winning categories such as Subject awards, Pastoral awards, Attendance, and Head of Year awards. All successful students received a prize and a certificate. The energy in the assemblies was brilliant, and we can’t wait to do the same again in the Summer term for our end of year Reward Celebration Assemblies.
Careers Day
During the week leading up to Easter, a group of 10 Year 10 students visited St Mary's Stadium to gain insights into the diverse range of career opportunities available at Southampton Football Club after completing their education. The students had the opportunity to learn about various departments within the club, such as the grounds team responsible for maintaining the pitch, the ticketing office, the marketing team, and the coaching staff. Additionally, in June, one of these Year 10 students will have the chance to participate in a week-long work experience program at the club, providing them with a first-hand experience of the day-to-day responsibilities of a full-time employee at Southampton FC.
University Workshops
We were pleased to welcome back representatives from the University of Southampton and IntoUniversity to the academy during the Spring term. There were 30 students from each year group who were involved in a number of workshops designed to promote personal development.
Year 7 - Becoming an independent learner which involved effective strategies for managing and completing homework.
Year 8 - Pathways to success which involved understanding the GCSE options impact on educational and career pathways.
Year 9 - Introduction to University which involved myth busting and exploring university courses, where to study and student finance.
Year 10 - Communication in the workplace this workshop looked at the different methods of communication to boost employability including application writing and interview technique.
Year 11 - Higher education beyond 16 which identified the different post 16 option and how they impact future education and career options.
All students enjoyed and engaged with the workshops which will continue into 2024-25.
Ms Cole, Assistant Principal - Personal Development
IntoUniversity Buddy Programme
Last month, our Year 8 students participated in a 'buddy' programme facilitated by the excellent team at IntoUniversity. They visited the University of Southampton with Mrs. Bennett, where they enjoyed a tour of the campus, engaged in a Q&A session with the University Student Ambassadors, and participated in a workshop that focused on creating a plan for colonising a planet.
Did you Know?
IntoUniversity provides a supportive environment for young individuals, offering a safe space for learning, exploration, and personal growth. The local centre offer innovative programs designed to help individuals aged seven and older achieve their academic goals, develop important skills, and gain exposure to the professional world. IntoUniversity Southampton West opened in autumn 2015.
Year 9 Guided Choices & Parents Evening
On Wednesday, 20th March, the Academy hosted its annual event for Year 9 students. The event was well-attended by a significant number of parents and carers, which was great to see. It was a popular event with students, parents, and carers engaging in conversations about GCSE options with the post-16 providers in attendance. This year, the following providers participated in the event:
- NHS
- PETA
- Peter Symonds Sixth Form College
- Richard Taunton's Sixth Form College
- Solent University
- South Hampshire College Group (City College, Eastleigh College & Fareham College)
- ASK (Apprenticeship, Support & Knowledge)
Esther Fan (Student recruitment Officer, Richard Taunton's) said:
"This has been one of my most enjoyable events to attend so far, all aspects were positive. The students and parents were very inquisitive and had great questions. The flow of students was smooth and parents and students actually came to speak to the FE providers – usually at these events, it can be very hit-and-miss (usually more miss!). I was well-informed leading up to the event and felt very welcomed by all members of staff."
We are already looking forward to a bigger and better event next year!
Ms Cole, Assistant Principal - Personal Development
Future Career Events
Careers events taking place in the Summer Term.
- Oxford University Mentoring - Year 10 students from September 2024
- College Taster Days - July 2024
- Your Futures 2024 - 5 June 2024
- Year 10 Trip to Solent University - 20 June 2024
- Year 11 - Careers Interviews
- Year 10 - Careers Interviews
Sylvan Dance Show
This Spring, the Oasis Academy Leisure team were delighted to host Sylvan Dance School's Annual show on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March. A total of 90 dancers, aged 3 to 18, took part in the event, raising an impressive £950 for Abby's Heroes. We would like to congratulate Jena and everyone at Sylvan Dance for their successful show and thank them for their ongoing support of Oasis Academy Lord's Hill.
Sylvan Dance offers dance classes for all ages in our theatre on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting at 5pm.
Click on the link below to see the full list of Community Groups and Clubs based at Lord's Hill.
Happy Birthday Lin!
On Friday 26th April, we celebrated our amazing cleaner, Lin Tucker's 80th birthday! Lin has been keeping our place spotless since we opened in 2012 and even before that at the old site. She used to work at Millbrook Community School before it became an Oasis Academy, and she's been part of the cleaning crew for over 40 years!
Happy birthday from all of us at Oasis Lord's Hill.
News in brief
World Book Day 2024
We had a blast celebrating World Book Day in March with a cake sale, book sale, and some awesome outfits! A huge shout out to all the staff and the student EDI team for joining in on the fun.
Ella Morris Visit
In February, we were joined by Southampton FC Women's player, Ella Morris. The English defender visited the academy with our Saints Community Champion for a Q&A with our students.
Student Leaders
In January, Year 10 students Rifat and Sahar provided feedback to the Oasis Community Learning national staff teams on behalf of all student leaders nationwide regarding their recent residential trip. Read all about their residential here.
Saints Celebration
Twelve students attended a celebratory event at St. Mary's stadium. They participated in a rotation of activities at three stations, which included a stadium tour, a quiz, and a multi-skills station. The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony featuring former men's player James Beattie and current women's player Lucia Kendall.
Student Celebration
Varad Keni (Year 11) attended trials for Southampton Hawks Cricket Club and has been successful. This has put Varad on the pathway to play for Hampshire. Well done Varad, we wish you every success.
If you were like to celebrate your child's achievement, please contact Ms Cole.